An Investigation of Hashtag Based Linguistic Change in Nigerian Digital Discourse: A Comparative Analysis of Twitter Trends
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Background of the study
Hashtag usage on Twitter has emerged as a powerful driver of linguistic change in Nigerian digital discourse. Hashtags, initially intended to categorize content, now serve as vehicles for new word formations, semantic shifts, and syntactic reconfigurations. Nigerian netizens frequently repurpose hashtags to express socio-political sentiments, cultural trends, and humorous commentary. This creative process leads to the rapid adoption of neologisms and altered linguistic conventions that permeate everyday communication (Akinyele, 2023). The comparative analysis of various Twitter trends reveals distinct patterns of language change driven by hashtag campaigns. By examining these dynamics, the study seeks to understand how hashtags influence language evolution, facilitate public discourse, and reflect changing cultural identities. The research also investigates the mechanisms by which hashtags condense complex ideas into concise linguistic forms, challenging traditional grammar and usage. This investigation is crucial for revealing the interplay between digital technology and language innovation in Nigeria (Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Although hashtags have become ubiquitous in Nigerian digital communication, research on their role in linguistic change remains limited. Most studies focus on the social or political impact of hashtags rather than their linguistic dimensions. This narrow focus overlooks the significant influence of hashtags on lexical, semantic, and syntactic innovation. The present study aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comparative analysis of hashtag trends on Twitter, thereby elucidating how these digital markers drive linguistic change (Chukwu, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To compare linguistic changes across different Twitter hashtag trends.
- To examine the processes of neologism formation via hashtags.
- To evaluate the broader implications of hashtag based language change.
Research questions
- How do hashtag trends influence linguistic change on Twitter?
- What neologisms and semantic shifts are associated with hashtags?
- How do these changes reflect broader cultural and digital dynamics?
Significance of the study
This research sheds light on the transformative role of hashtags in driving linguistic innovation within Nigerian digital discourse. The findings will inform both linguistic theory and digital media practices, offering a nuanced understanding of language change in the digital age (Akinyele, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is confined to Twitter and examines hashtag based linguistic changes in Nigerian digital discourse. It does not consider other social media platforms or offline communication.
Definitions of terms
- Hashtag: A keyword or phrase preceded by the “#” symbol used to categorize digital content.
- Neologism: A newly coined word or expression.
- Digital Discourse: Communication practices occurring on online platforms.
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